Looking for the Best Virginia Beach Neighborhoods?

Have you always wanted to live by the beach but don’t want to pay the high cost of living associated with coastal life? Then consider moving to one of the top Virginia Beach neighborhoods! Virginia is known for its stunning Atlantic coastline, and Virginia Beach is the crown jewel when it comes to beautiful views and first-class beaches. Living in Virginia Beach also means you have access to a vibrant city that offers an entertainment scene sure to keep your calendar full when you’re not in the ocean.

All kinds of people are attracted to the Virginia Beach lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why. Families love that their kids have the support of the strong public education system in Virginia, while retirees enjoy the laid-back beach culture vibes. And young professionals? They love taking advantage of not only the employment opportunities but also the thriving restaurant and nightlife scene.

Virginia Beach is a buzzing, vibrant place to call home. 

Virginia Beach at a Glance

• Virginia Beach’s population is around 460,000.
• Young professionals are drawn to Virginia Beach thanks to its robust economy and job growth, but you’ll also find a lot of retirees who enjoy the nice weather and lower-than-average taxes.
• The average home value in Virginia Beach is around $400,800, compared to the state average of around $392,400 and the national average of around $359,900.
• Virginia Beach’s average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,675, compared to Virginia’s average rent of around $1,950 and the national average of around $1,750.
• Virginia Beach is great for a relaxed atmosphere, family-friendly attractions, a great food scene, and — of course — beautiful beaches.

Virginia Beach Neighborhoods — FAQs

Q: What is the area to live in Virginia Beach?
A: Great Neck and Lynnhaven are great areas to live in Virginia Beach.

Q: What are the seven boroughs of Virginia Beach?
A: Bayside, Blackwater, Kempsville, Lynnhaven, Princess Anne, Pungo, and Virginia Beach are the seven original boroughs. Sandbridge, Pungo, Oceanfront, Chesapeake Bay, Town Center, Inland, and ViBe Creative District are the seven current boroughs of Virginia Beach.

Q: What’s the safest neighborhood in Virginia Beach?
A: Lynnwood, Great Neck, and Sandbridge are the safest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach.

Q: What is the richest part of Virginia Beach?
A: Alanton, Sandbridge, and Bayville are some of the richest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. 

Q: What are the worst neighborhoods in Virginia Beach?
A: Some of the worst neighborhoods in Virginia Beach include Northeast and North Central. 

The Best Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach

There are a variety of neighborhoods in Virginia Beach for all walks of life, including some that are relaxed and low key, as well as those that are full of all kinds of entertainment options. If you’re ready to move to Virginia Beach, consider checking out one of these top neighborhoods.

Alanton is just a few minutes from the bay, and a few more minutes away from whale watching on the beach. 

1. Alanton 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $655,800
• Great for: Retirees, working professionals, access to the beach

If you've always wanted to live in a neighborhood in Virginia Beach that's right on the bay and minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, then the upscale neighborhood of Alanton could be just what you're looking for. Retirees find this quiet neighborhood to be a wonderful place to spend their golden years, especially if boating, yachting, or fishing are some of their favorite activities. The community hosts events for all ages throughout the year, as well, such as the 4th of July parade and the Alanton Baycliff Easter Egg Hunt.
 
Named after the architect who created it, Alanton is situated right on Broad Bay, making it the perfect place to take the boat out for water activities or to spend the day at Thompson Beach. And located across the Bay is First Landing State Park that offers residents a variety of hiking trails — including Kingfisher Trail, Osprey Trail, and Long Creek Trail — giving you endless opportunities to stay active and enjoy the natural beauty of coastal Virginia. The North End Beaches are also located at the end of Cape Henry Trail so you can soak up the sun, go swimming, or visit the 18th-century Cape Henry Lighthouse. 

And Alanton is conveniently located right near Great Neck Road, which provides residents with shopping and dining options such as the Great Neck Village Shopping Center and the Coastal Grill. 

2. Green Run

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,525
• Average home value: $303,300
• Great for: Families, retirees, schools, easy commute, outdoor access

Green Run is the largest HOA neighborhood in the area, making it great for families or retirees who want a quiet, well-kept space to call home. There are plenty of great schools in the area, including Green Run Elementary School, Landstown Middle, and Green Run Collegiate. You can even keep the kids close to home the first two years of college with Tidewater Community College nearby. (Or go back to school yourself!)

This neighborhood is also known for its well-maintained parks, boasting easy access to Stumpy Lake Natural Area and Barkley Meadows Park. Just four miles away is Mount Trashmore Park  — a community hub known for hosting community events and festivals, including Autumn in the Air and the Cherry Blossom Festival. The food scene is top-notch, too, with local staples Virginia Beach Winery and Taqueria la Patrona less than five minutes away.

3. Bayside

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $335,200
• Great for: Young professionals, military, nature lovers, outdoor activities

Bayside is one of Virginia Beach's original seven boroughs, and it's a great place for young professionals or military families, thanks to its proximity to the Joint-Expeditionary Base - Little Creek. Residents of this Virginia Beach neighborhood have easy access to the Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Natural Area, which provides opportunities to hike or bike the trails, go kayaking or canoeing, or spend time fishing off the pier. And living here means you're right along Northampton Blvd., which allows you to get anywhere in the Virginia Beach area, whether for work, the beach, or entertainment. And for those who want to practice their golf swing, the CPCC Hole 14 and Bayville Golf Club are right in your backyard!
 
If you're coming to Virginia Beach with kids, you'll appreciate that Bayside is in the well-ranked Virginia Beach City Public School District, so the kids will definitely get a quality education at Bayside Middle School or Bayside High School. And the Bayside Rec Center offers a fitness center, indoor pool, gym, racquetball courts, and playgrounds to give residents all kinds of ways to stay active.

If you’re looking for gorgeous ocean views, Chic's Beach can’t be beat.

4. Chic’s Beach

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $675,000
• Great for: Retirees, military families, ocean views

Want to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach with an unparalleled view of the ocean? Then you'll want to see what's available in Chic's Beach. Located right next to Bayside, residents of this community enjoy easy access to the beautiful Little Creek Beach and Chesapeake Beach. In addition to beaches, there's also Aeries on the Bay Park and Bayville Farms Park that offer disc golf, ball fields, a dog park, and a skate park. And Lake Joyce is at the heart of this neighborhood, offering lots of opportunities to have a waterfront property. This lake is also the headquarters of the Virginia Beach Rowing Club, if you're interested in trying something new!

You'll never need to worry about where you'll eat out next, as there are cuisines of all types in the area, including healthy options at The Leaping Lizard Cafe, sandwiches at Taste Unlimited, and seafood with an ocean view at Buoy 44. Did we mention there's also a winery in the neighborhood? Stop by Mermaid Winery for your next favorite pour!

5. King’s Grant

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $531,900 
• Great for: Families, schools, outdoor activities

If you're looking for a Virginia Beach neighborhood that is great for families, then King's Grant should be at the top of your list. The schools are top-notch — especially Kingston Elementary, which is within walking distance for lots of folks. In addition to a great learning center, there's lots of participation in athletics, like soccer, basketball, and tee ball. In the surrounding area, there are also opportunities to swim or play tennis/pickleball at the Little Neck Swim and Racquet Club. Brown Cove and Lynnhaven Bay are also close by when you want to get out on the water for boating, fishing, or kayaking.
 
This neighborhood is located right off of Virginia Beach Blvd. and is close to I-264 and shopping at Sam's Club, the Lynnhaven Mall, and the London Bridge Plaza. And when you're ready to try a local brew and grab a bite to eat, head over to Union Alehouse for one of their rotating taps, Duck Donuts for a sweet treat, or Bro's Fish Tacos for a bite — just to name a few options.

6. Little Neck

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $510,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor activities, beaches

The picturesque neighborhood of Little Neck is located just north of King's Grant and is surrounded by Lynnhaven Bay and all kinds of coves, making it the ideal home for boating enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. When you want to enjoy the beach, you'll have a short commute to Chesapeake Beach and First Landing Beach, where you can spend the day swimming, relaxing, or just enjoying the ocean views. And residents of Little Neck are right across the cove from Pleasure House Point Natural Area, which is a beautiful area for walking the trails or exploring the waterways via a non-motorized boat like a kayak or canoe. Fun fact: Originally this land was slated for development, but the Virginia Beach community stepped in and now it is a protected park!
 
Little Neck Park is a great place to get some outdoor exercise. Residents love taking the kids to the playground at Middle Plantation Neighborhood Park. You can also charter a fishing boat from the locally owned Hookz Sportfishing to see what you can catch. And Brill Field hosts soccer practices and games for all ages, so you won't have to go far if your kids love rec soccer.

Living in Kempsville makes it easy for students to commute to Old Dominion University. 

7. Kempsville

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $334,600
• Great for: Families, students, young professionals, commute

Whether you’re a working professional or a student at a nearby college like Hampton University or Old Dominion, living in Kempsville means you’ll always have an easy commute. This Virginia Beach neighborhood (and one of the original boroughs) is located right along the VA Beach Expressway (I-264), so you can be at the beach or another destination in no time. And the best part? Residents of Kempsville enjoy relatively affordable rent and home prices, making this a great place to put down roots. 

When you don’t feel like hitting up the beach, this quiet neighborhood offers easy access to Mount Trashmore Park that has two lakes, all kinds of trails, a playground, picnic areas, and a skate park. The Iceland Family Skating Center is also a great way for the whole family to learn how to ice skate, or you could try out the Apex Entertainment complex, which has escape rooms, bowling, an arcade, mini golf, and so much more!

8. Thoroughgood

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average home value: $565,100
• Great for: Families, retirees, historical homes

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach is the historic area of Thoroughgood. In fact, the Adam Thoroughgood House was built in the 1680s and is on the National Historic Landmark List, making it possibly the oldest colonial home in the area. While your home might not be that old, there are plenty of other homes built in the colonial revival style or in other popular styles like ranches, farmhouse, or Tudor. And Thoroughgood is known for its good schools, including Thoroughgood Elementary and Independence Middle School that many of the neighborhood kids can walk or bike to.

Lots of desirable homes in this neighborhood are located along the western branch of the Lynnhaven River and even have water access to areas like Witchduck Bay or Thoroughgood Cove. Bayville Farms Park and the Bayside Rec Center also offer ways for people of all ages to stay active and connected to other residents.

Oceana Gardens is close to the center of the VA Beach action, including the Virginia Aquarium and Museum of Contemporary Art.

9. Oceana Gardens

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $390,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, military members, tight-knit community, beach access

The Oceana Gardens neighborhood is a great area for military members and their families, since it’s conveniently located close to the Naval Air Station Oceana. When you’re a resident here, one of the top beaches in the city, Croatan Beach, is just a short drive from your doorstep. Living here also means you’re at the heart of a lot of Virginia Beach’s cultural attractions, such as the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. You’re also right near the Virginia Beach Boardwalk with its stunning views, fishing pier, and first-class restaurants like Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Be sure to take the kids to Grommet Island Park to play, or spend some time with friends on the course at Red Wing Lake Golf Course.

10. Sandbridge

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $1.1M
• Great for: Families, safety, beachfront homes, quiet living

One of the safest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach is the laid-back Sandbridge neighborhood. This quiet neighborhood would be great for families or retirees who are looking for a slower pace of life that’s further away from the bustle of the busy Oceanfront part of Virginia Beach. Lots of the houses and apartments have ocean views, and residents love that they can be on the beach within minutes of leaving their homes. And in addition to enjoying pristine beaches, living in Sandbridge means you’ll be a part of a tight-knit, welcoming community.

Looking for a little entertainment? You can’t go wrong spending time outdoors in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge or kayaking or boating around North Bay and Shipps Bay, taking in all those coastal views. The whole family can enjoy camping at the North Bay Shore Campground, as well, and then grab a bite at Blue Pete’s or Margie and Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant.

11. Great Neck

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $501,500
• Great for: Families, shopping, access to the ocean and bay

The Great Neck neighborhood in Virginia Beach is located right across the water from Little Neck and adjacent to Alanton. Folks who live in this neighborhood have easy access to all kinds of fun on the water, whether it’s visiting First Landing Beach, the North End Beaches, Broad Bay, or the Lynnhaven River. Whether you want to get out on the boat, go swimming, spend the day kayaking around the river, or stop at Great Neck Point, Humes Island, or Grassy Point, you can do it all from Great Neck.

Great Neck Park is also the perfect place to spend the day relaxing, and it’s right next to the popular Great Neck Rec Center that offers everything from dancing classes for kids and swimming to a fitness room and basketball courts. The schools in this neighborhood — including Frank W. Cox High School and John B. Dey Elementary School — are well-ranked and easy to get to, as well.

12. Lynnhaven

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $548,100
• Great for: Families, military, outdoor activities, convenient shopping

Lynnhaven is one of the original boroughs and is located in the north central part of the city. It’s just a short commute from the naval air station, making it a popular neighborhood for military families. And when you’re a resident here, you’ll find it’s convenient to get just about anywhere, including shopping options like the Lynnhaven Mall. There are also plenty of walkable streets, and most communities have access to a park or playground such as Pinewood Gardens Park. 

You can access the water for boating or kayaking at Wolfsnare Creek, which can take you all the way up the Lynnhaven River. And if you’re looking for something fun to do in Lynnhaven, look no further than the SK8 House that offers rolling skating fun, or Dave & Buster’s, where you can play games and enjoy delicious food. Residents can always stop by the Bow Creek Rec Center and take a class or drop in for a game of basketball or tennis, too!

PODS has the know-how to help you move to your next home in Virginia Beach.

PODS Can Help You Move to One of the Best Virginia Beach Neighborhoods

When you’re ready to move to one of these amazing Virginia Beach neighborhoods, you can rely on PODS to help you get your belongings there. They’ll deliver one (or more!) portable storage containers straight to your driveway so you can pack up your household at your leisure. And after it’s all loaded up and ready to go, a PODS professional will pick it up and drive it to your new location. From there, you can have it delivered to your new Virginia Beach address or store it in a secure storage facility.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.